Re: A Scout is Reverent- what that means
golden cliff (c60clg1@CORN.CSO.NIU.EDU)
Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:29:44 -0600
Hi Kevin,
No. I don't think you should be kicked out of Scouting. You sound like
you're a good Scout.
The etymology of the word reverent, it comes from the latin "revereri"
which means "to revere".
Reverent is one of the 12 points of the Scout Law. Your post addresses
that issue. There is a section in the Scout Handbook which clarifies what
each point of the Scout Law means in Scouting. "Reverent toward God" is
spelled out in the handbook. Whether or not it coincides with the
dictionary, it is clearly stated by the BSA. You have to ask yourself who
you have taken an Oath to, Random House or the BSA?
"On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country...",
that section of the Scout Oath clearly addresses the subject of God
even if the Scout Law didn't.
Kevin, I'm not trying to flame or condemn you. I'm just offering some
food for thought. Please consider it.
Good luck to you in your Scouting activities.
YIS, Cliff Golden
Scoutmaster Troop 33; DeKalb, Illinois
Three Fires Council BSA
P.S.
Kevin, I work at a university. My defination of a student...
"One who doesn't worship what is known, but rather questions it."
It is good that you are questioning things and thinking for yourself. If
no one ever questioned anything, we would still be living in the dark ages.
On Wed, 7 Jan 1998, Kevin McClelland wrote:
> I woke up this morning and I decided to say something a little
> controversial. The Boy Scouts of America should not be turning away
> atheists.
>
> Here's a quote from the Random House Dictionary:
>
> Reverent- feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by a feeling or attitude
> of deep respect.
>
> Here's a question for you, where in that definition does it mention god?
> I see deep respect, but not deep respect TOWARD GOD. If I tell you I
> deeply respect my parents, I am being honest. If I tell you I deeply
> respect my mentors in Scouting, I am being honest. If I tell you I don't
> deeply respect a God, I am being honest, but if I fulfill the items
> above, am I not still being reverent?
>
> Now I am not saying I am or am not an Atheist because I have not made a
> definite decision but I am a reverent person, without affiliating myself
> with a church or any religious practice. Should I too be kicked out of
> Scouting?
>
> That's my opinion anyway.
> --
> Kevin McClelland
> JASM - Troop 615 Ellicott City, MD
> Camp Spencer Staff, BCMSR - THE BEST!!!
>
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